Sunday reading

Each Gospel writer brings his own perspective to the story of Jesus’s passion and death.

John’s particular focus is the majesty with which Jesus conducts himself throughout, from the time of his arrest, through his two trials, to his hours hanging on the cross.

His final cry is therefore, “It is accomplished !” Jesus has completed the mission for which he was sent by his Father, his mission to save mankind. Read more »

Holy Thursday was one of the most important days in all of history. It was a pivotal day in the life of Jesus Christ.

Here are 10 things you should know about it and how we celebrate it today.

Every single Mass, we hear the words "on the night he was betrayed." That night was Holy Thursday, and it is one of the most important nights in all of history. Read more »

When Jesus told his disciples “do this in memory of me”, we generally think of the institution of the Eucharist and we are right. But not entirely.

Before sitting down to the Paschal Meal, Jesus gave us all a lesson in humble service. He washed the feet of his disciples.

Jesus was only too aware of the bickering among his disciples as to who was the greatest, and who should rank before the other. Read more »

Pope Francis has decided not to move into the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, but to live in a suite in the Vatican guesthouse where he has been since the beginning of the conclave that elected him, said Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman.

"He is experimenting with this type of living arrangement, which is simple," but allows him "to live in community with others," both the permanent residents -- priests and bishops who work at the Vatican -- as well as guests coming to the Vatican for meetings and conferences, Father Lombardi said March 26. Read more »

This passage anticipates the Last Supper where Jesus, surrounded by the men he has loved and trained for years, is faced with the bitter realization that they are all untrustworthy.

At the hour when he needed them most, they ditch him and flee, “every man for himself”.

Simon Peter, to whom he had entrusted the leadership of the Twelve, and whom he had called a ‘rock of support’ is the biggest disappointment. Read more »

Pope Francis met with Benedict XVI on Saturday for the first time since his selection, an historic visit that took place in a fraternal atmosphere.

“We are brothers,” Pope Francis told his predecessor before praying side-by-side with him at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.

The March 23 encounter marked the first face-to-face meeting between the two since the March 13 election of the new Pope. Read more »

Why is Jesus' entry into Jerusalem so important? What is going on here?

Palm Sunday - or is it Passion Sunday? - marks the beginning of Holy Week.

This day commemorates not one but two very significant events in the life of Christ.

Here are 9 things you need to know. Read more »

Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of what Catholics call ‘Holy Week’, eight special days given over to the celebration of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus.

It’s not just about the historical memory, but encountering Jesus in prayer as the living source of our own healing and power.

Commemorations usually focus on the past and seek to re-invent the imagination. Our celebration of the death of Jesus, however, means even more. Read more »

Not only had Jesus confounded his enemies in public but, in the raising of his friend Lazarus from the dead, he had worked a sign of his divine power which made him immensely popular.

As John put it, the crowds turned up not just to listen to Jesus but to see Lazarus as well.

The Sadduccees and the Pharisees met in council to deliberate on what they should do. The presence of Jesus threatened their hold over the people. Read more »

We've all noticed the yellow band Pope Francis has been wearing on his wrist since his election.

A simple rubber band that photographers and media have brought to the attention of the public as we all get to know our new Pope and observe him as he goes about his papal committments and appearances.

Vatican Radio's Linda Bordoni asked the man who gave the Pope this unusual gift to tell her something about it. Read more »